March 21, 2011

Stars calling up Brad Lukowich; Eriksson could be ready by Wednesday

The Stars placed veteran defenseman Brad Lukowich on re-entry waivers and expect to have him at practice on Tuesday.

That means that there is a very good chance that Nicklas Grossman (knee) and Karlis Skrastins (lacerated thigh) will not be ready for Wednesday's game against Anaheim. While the Stars had an optional practice today, it appears the defense will look like this for Wednesday:

Goligoski-Robidas
Woywitka-Daley
Lukowich-Fistric

The fact the Stars can lean on Mark Fistric (who has been a healthy scratch for the past five games but led the Stars in plus-minus last season) and Lukowich, who is the captain of the Texas Stars and played on Stanley Cup champions in Dallas (1999) and Tampa Bay (2004) says a lot about the depth at the position.

While Philip Larsen is the Stars' top prospect on defense, he is a smaller, skilled defenseman. They need a bigger, more physical defenseman on this call-up.

Loui Eriksson skated with his teammates and looked good. He said he does not have headaches and that his concussion-like symptoms feel much better. However, Stars coach Marc Crawford said Eriksson still has to go through testing before he can return to play.

Still, a hard solo skate on Sunday, an optional practice on Monday and an expected full practice on Tuesday should give fans a pretty good indication that the Stars' second-leading scorer could be back in a game soon.

There was no real update on Grossman today. He is having an MRI, but indications are he could have a pretty significant knee injury.

Comments

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To Mr. Steve Ott,

Steve Ott really needs to learn from the Rangers on "How to Take an Elbow to the Head and Get the Opposing Player Suspended!"

First thing Stevey, Actually place your Head in the way of the elbow being thrown your way. The Elbow needs to make solid contact and show you stars in both your eyes.

Second Mr. Ott, please pay close attention to the penalty levied on Matt Cooke. Especially in regards to the contradiction displayed in light of Mario's recent comments. Your self adorned halo will be RIPPED from your skull at the very first infraction aye.

Just a reminder for you to note that Cooke got 14+ games. Not strong enough IMO. But Mr. Ott, also note that Cooke actually hit the guy in the head. The guy did not embellish. The other lesson is actually to Dany Heatley. He got 2 games for throwing the elbow at your head. He might have seen 5 games if you didn't embellish aye.